Relieve Intercostal Muscle Spasms & Costochondritis: Hypnosis, NLP & Cannabis for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief

Finding Relief from Intercostal Muscle Spasms and Costochondritis: A Holistic Guide for Fibro Fighters

Living with fibromyalgia often feels like an ongoing battle with an invisible enemy. Pain flares can be sudden and severe, knocking the wind out of you—literally, in the case of intercostal muscle spasms and costochondritis. I understand these challenges personally. In my journey, these spasms used to sideline me for weeks, but today, I can manage them in a matter of days thanks to a combination of hypnosis, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and mindful cannabis use. Let me walk you through this approach, backed by science and shared experience.

If you haven’t yet, check out my earlier post, “Fighting the Flares of Fibro-Fall”, where I talk about embracing fall with fibro and tips on “happily” managing flare-ups.

Understanding Intercostal Muscle Spasms and Costochondritis

Intercostal muscle spasms are sudden, painful contractions of the muscles between the ribs. They’re often triggered by overuse, stress, or even minor physical movements, and can feel like sharp, stabbing pain or an intense pressure in the chest. Costochondritis, which involves inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, produces similar symptoms. These pains are often aggravated by fibromyalgia, where the body’s pain response is heightened.

Hypnosis and NLP: Rewiring the Mind to Manage Pain

The pain of fibro flares is very real, and so is the mind’s ability to influence how we experience that pain. Studies have shown that both hypnosis and NLP can be effective for pain management. Personally, I swear by these tools! A 2015 study published in Pain Medicine found that patients who underwent hypnosis experienced “significant pain relief” and a decrease in pain perception over time while NLP helps reframe how we think and respond to pain, a technique shown to reduce symptoms in some chronic pain sufferers.

Here are techniques I use and recommend for intercostal spasms and fibro pain:

1. Hypnotic Visualization: During hypnosis, you enter a deeply relaxed state where your subconscious mind is more receptive to suggestions. One technique involves visualizing the pain as a tangible object or substance. I often guide clients to imagine the pain as ice slowly melting, allowing the mind to “see” the pain dissipating over time. This can help reduce the perception of intensity and shift the focus away from discomfort.

2. Anchoring in NLP: In NLP, anchoring is a technique where you associate a physical touch or gesture with a desired mental state. For example, pressing two fingers together while visualizing a calm, soothing color can create a mental link. After a few practices, this gesture alone can cue a relaxed state, helping reduce the sensation of pain during spasms.

Personal Testimonial: I used to dread intercostal spasms—they’d keep me bedridden for weeks. Now, with these techniques, I’ve reduced my recovery to days. Hypnosis and NLP have been my most valuable armor for fighting fibro, these tools allow me to shift from “suffering through pain” to actively managing it.

“Hypnosis has been a game-changer for me. Irene’s techniques helped me see my pain as something I could release rather than endure. Now, I use anchoring to remind myself that I am not my pain.” – Sarah T., Fibromyalgia Warrior

“Learning NLP with Irene was empowering. I can’t believe something as simple as visualizing can take the edge off. My chest pains are easier to manage, and I feel more in control.” – James P., Fibro Fighter

The Therapeutic Role of Cannabis for Muscle Relaxation

Cannabis has also become a powerful tool in my pain management arsenal, and scientific support is growing. Research indicates that THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, can help relax muscles and alleviate pain. My personal go-to strain for managing muscle spasticity is Trainwreck, a THC-dominant strain with a terpene profile (terpinolene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene) known for its muscle-relaxing effects.

I use a Volcano vaporizer with 0.25g of herb heated to 386°F. The vapor is gentler on the lungs and delivers cannabinoids directly to the bloodstream. For those sensitive to THC, high-CBD strains like Harlequin or balanced strains like Cannatonic are excellent options, offering muscle relaxation with less psychoactive impact.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

While cannabis offers relief, it’s essential to be aware of possible side effects. THC can cause dry mouth, dizziness, and, for some, heightened anxiety or paranoia. Always start with a low dose and pay attention to how your body reacts. If you’re new to cannabis or considering using it for fibromyalgia, consult with a medical professional familiar with and experienced with cannabis therapeutically, especially if you’re taking other medications, you may also want to seek the guidance of a “Cannabis Consultant” such as myself who can work with you and your medical team to help determine the best strains, dosages, methods of consumption etc for you!

Beyond Cannabis: Other Complementary Therapies

To create a truly holistic approach, consider these additional therapies for managing fibro flares:

1. Exercise: Gentle stretching, yoga, and water therapy can help keep muscles flexible and reduce the frequency of spasms. Studies show that regular low-impact exercise can significantly improve fibromyalgia symptoms. CLICK HERE FOR A DIAGRAM of 8 EASY STRETCHES

2. Diet: Anti-inflammation, like leafy greens (including raw cannabis), berries, and fatty fish, can help reduce flare-ups. Avoiding processed sugars and excessive caffeine may also help stabilize energy levels and reduce pain sensitivity.

3. Meditation and Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation helps you observe pain without judgment, which can reduce your mental and emotional response to it. Research has shown that mindfulness reduces pain perception by fostering an attitude of non-resistance.

4. Acupuncture: This traditional practice has shown benefits for fibro sufferers, helping to release tension and stimulate blood flow. The National Institutes of Health recognizes acupuncture as a viable complementary therapy for chronic pain.

Embrace Your Power Over Pain

Fibro may be a part of our lives, but it doesn’t have to control us. Through hypnosis, NLP, cannabis, and complementary therapies, I’ve learned to manage my pain, reclaiming both my time and my happiness. If you’re ready to explore these options, I invite you to book a free discovery call with me.

The Fight Fibro Program has empowered hundreds of people to tackle the pain that tries to hold their happiness hostage. Let’s create a plan together that turns pain into power—because you are more than fibro, and relief is within reach.

Take back control. Book your free discovery call today, and let’s start your journey to relief.

References:

1. Hypnosis for Pain Relief: A Review of Studies and Techniques – Pain Medicine

2. NLP and Chronic Pain Reduction – Journal of Alternative Therapies

3. THC and Muscle Relaxation: Therapeutic Effects – Medical Cannabis Research

4. Exercise and Fibromyalgia: Benefits of Physical Activity – Journal of Pain

5. Mindfulness and Pain Perception – Journal of Neuroscience

6. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain – NIH